Dangerous Deception - A Short Story by Patrick Anne

Author:Patrick, Anne [Patrick, Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Anne Patrick
Published: 2012-04-08T21:00:00+00:00

* * * * *

Gwen was directed to a secluded table in the cafe where a black man stood, wearing a dark blue, double-breasted suit and dark sunglasses. He appeared to be no more than a couple of years older than herself, and when he smiled she was quick to notice his perfectly shaped white teeth. As she approached, he removed his dark sunglasses to reveal a set of warm, dark brown eyes. He didn’t look anything like the red-eyed, fire-breathing demon she had envisioned. According to Michael, he was the RFAGC’s most prominent battlefield commander; the man in charge on the ground while the movement's supreme political leader, Akua Chidike sat behind bars for treason.

“General Kabassa?”

He stepped forward and shook her hand gently. “Welcome. I trust you are enjoying your stay here in Lerato?”

She was surprised at his well-spoken English. “Yes, thank you.”

“Please, have a seat. Are you hungry? Would you like something to drink?” He moved to pull out a chair for her and she sat down.

“A cola would be nice. Thank you.”

He waved down a waiter and ordered their drinks before taking a seat opposite her.

“Do you mind if I take notes?” Gwen asked, removing her black spiral notebook and a pen. Despite the pounding of her heart, she tried to appear relaxed and in full control of her emotions. But the truth was she felt petrified.

“Of course not.”

She had always preferred getting the tougher questions out of the way in the beginning of an interview, so she positioned her notebook on her crossed leg for support and began. “Foremost on everyone’s mind, is why you’ve stood by and allowed the amputations and murders of innocent civilians throughout Dewana?”

“I never ordered amputations of civilians. Ex-soldiers allied with the RFAGC, but not directly under my command, are to be blamed for this.” He lifted a cigar from the ashtray and drew in a long breath then, with his eyes steady on her, he blew the smoke out of the corner of his mouth. “I don’t believe in innocent killing, Miss Jacobs. If soldiers have raped, I have executed them. If soldiers have been found in error, I have disciplined them. These are the only two crimes I’m guilty of.”

Gwen carefully considered her next question. Suspecting the bulge under his suit jacket was a weapon he would have no qualms using on her. “Last year, the BBC reported the mass destruction of a village just inside the border of Liberia. Do you know who’s responsible for it?”

“I have no knowledge of the incident?”

Judging from his quick answer, she had a hunch he did.

The waiter appeared with their drinks. In a lame attempt to calm her nerves, Gwen took a drink of her soda.

“What about the children who’ve been abducted and forced to join your movement?”

"We don't force people to join us," he answered. "Many of these young boys and girls are orphans and outcasts. We offer them food, clothing, and shelter so they join us voluntarily.”

“So you’re providing a humanitarian need.

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